Please note that the June 23, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Rule does not change the requirement for Medical Examiners to electronically submit DOT medical exam results to the National Registry. This requirement has been in place since 2018 and remains unchanged.
What is changing:
Beginning June 23, 2025, the FMCSA National Registry will begin transmitting medical exam results directly to State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). Previously, this step required action by the driver or motor carrier.
What this means:
This change is intended to streamline the process for updating CDL drivers’ medical certifications and reduce delays or errors in driver qualification records.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
• Electronic Submission:
Medical Examiners will continue to electronically upload results of DOT physical examinations, along with any required restrictions or variances, to the National Registry by midnight (local time) of the next calendar day for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders.
• FMCSA Forwarding:
The FMCSA will then transmit the exam results to the state licensing agencies responsible for issuing and managing CDL licenses.
• Driver and Carrier Impact:
Drivers will no longer be required to manually submit their medical certificates to the state licensing agency, and carriers will no longer need to verify the credentials of the medical examiner.
• National Registry:
The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) will electronically transmit DOT examination results via the State Driver’s License Agencies technology connection.
• State Licensing Agencies:
Each state’s licensing agencies must ensure their technology connections are functioning and able to receive National Registry transmissions by the effective date of June 23, 2025. All states will then post the results on the driver Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS).
Starting June 23, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will implement significant changes to the Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification process for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders. These changes aim to streamline and digitize the certification process, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.
🔄 Key Changes Effective June 23, 2025
- Electronic Submission of Medical Certifications
Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) must submit DOT medical examination results directly to the FMCSA National Registry by midnight (local time) on the following calendar day. The results will then be electronically transmitted from the National Registry to the State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). - Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) for CDL/CLP Holders. CDL and CLP holders will no longer need to carry paper copies of their MECs, as their medical certification status
- Updated Verification Processes for Motor Carriers
o CDL/CLP Drivers: Motor Carriers will no longer need to verify that the Medical Examiner who completed the exam is in the National Registry. And, Motor Carriers will no longer be required to maintain a paper copy of the MEC in the Driver Qualification File. Motor Carriers must verify CDL drivers are medically certified by obtaining a copy of the driver’s CDLIS/MVR.
o Non-CDL Drivers: The current process remains unchanged. Motor carriers must continue to collect and retain paper MECs and verify the ME’s listing on the NRCME. Federal Register
âś… Action Steps for Employers
To prepare for these changes, employers should:
- Update Internal Policies and Procedures: Revise driver qualification file procedures to remove the collection of paper Medical Examination Certificates (MECs) for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders and incorporate regular Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks to verify medical certification status. Ensure an MVR monitoring system is in place.
- Train Relevant Staff: Ensure that compliance officers, recruiters, and HR personnel are informed about the new electronic submission process and understand how to access and interpret Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) for medical certification verification.
- Communicate with Drivers: Inform CDL/CLP drivers about the upcoming changes, emphasizing that they will no longer need to self-register their medical examination results, as these results will be transmitted electronically from the National Registry directly to their state driver’s licensing agency.
- Coordinate with Medical Examiners: Engage with MEs to confirm that they clearly understand their requirement to electronically submit DOT examination results to the National Registry by midnight (local time) on the following calendar day. Emphasize the importance of inputting accurate information to prevent transmission errors.
By proactively addressing these changes, employers can ensure a smooth transition to the new electronic medical certification process, maintain compliance with FMCSA regulations, and continue to prioritize the safety and qualification of their drivers
How WorkforceQA Helps Employers Navigate DOT Physicals and the New Medical Card Process
Staying compliant with DOT regulations is essential for keeping your drivers on the road and your operations running smoothly. With recent changes around the issuance and management of DOT medical cards, employers are facing new complexities in tracking, validating, and maintaining up-to-date medical certifications.
That’s where WorkforceQA comes in.
We provide employers with comprehensive support to manage DOT physicals and ensure drivers meet FMCSA medical certification requirements — especially as states adjust their processes for issuing and updating medical cards.
✅ Here’s how WFQA can help:
- Nationwide Network of Certified Providers: We connect your drivers with qualified, FMCSA-registered medical examiners to ensure all physicals are done to standard and on time.
- Streamlined Scheduling & Follow-Up: Our TRAQ platform makes it easy to schedule DOT physicals, track results, and get timely alerts for expiring medical certifications.
- Real-Time Visibility: Employers have access to real-time status updates and documentation through our secure, centralized system.
- Medical Card Compliance Support: As states continue to refine their electronic medical card processes, our team stays on top of changes to help you remain compliant and avoid delays.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Our team is here to answer questions, follow up on results, and support your compliance team every step of the way.
Whether you’re managing a few drivers or hundreds, WorkforceQA helps take the burden off your team and keeps your drivers qualified and on the road.
Have questions about how the new medical card rules impact your team?
Let’s talk. We’re here to help. WFQA DOT PHYSICALS
The NRII Learning Center is designed to help you comply with the requirements of the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) final rule, a follow-on rule to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry), thereby improving safety on your Nation’s roadways.
Review the resources to learn about how the implementation of NRII impacts you.
📢 Upcoming Webinar Announcement
Title: DOT Physical Update: Regulations, Best Practices & The New Data Integration Rule
Presented by: Cindy Faber, Occupational Health Advisor, WorkforceQA
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM EST
Duration: 1 Hour
Location: Online (Registration Required)
Join WorkforceQA for an essential webinar on the latest updates to DOT physical regulations, including best practices for compliance and a deep dive into the new Data Integration Rule. Our expert speaker, Cindy Faber, will provide critical guidance on navigating these evolving requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Overview of the June 23, 2025 Data Integration Rule
- Impacts of the Rule on various Stakeholders such as Drivers, Motor Carriers, and Medical Examiners.
- What we know so far.
- Live Q&A with Cindy Faber & Grady Phillips
👉 Register Now to secure your spot!
Stay informed. Stay compliant. Join us for this important discussion.
